A major boost in targeted action will be the Labor government’s response to the extreme riots that have ravaged several cities in England and Northern Ireland over the past week.
– Our first measure is to have a standing army of specially trained police officers so that we can deploy enough police officers where they are needed, says Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Hundreds arrested
The decision was taken after several hours of crisis meeting with the police, intelligence services, ministers and representatives of civil society. Hundreds of suspects have been arrested and some were charged Monday morning.
– I have asked that priority be given to the identification of those who were involved in the events and that they be brought to justice, says the Prime Minister.
Lies are spread on social media
The riots began after the murder of three girls in Southport last week, when false information that the perpetrator was a newly arrived asylum seeker and a Muslim was spread on social media.
In fact, the suspect was born in England to Rwandan Christian parents.
The result is extensive damage in several places and hundreds of people arrested. Residents testify to fear and terror but also to a sense of community.
– It is terrible to see one’s hometown destroyed and to know that they attacked mosques and targeted Muslims. I felt it was important to unite the residents and strengthen togetherness and solidarity, says Sahida Ditta, a resident of the town of Middlesbrough two hours from Southport.